Chino distribution center firm to appeal Labor Commissioner's fine

CHINO - Quetico, which operates a warehouse complex here, will appeal labor officials' decision to sanction the firm for $1.3 million for allegedly denying its employees overtime pay and proper lunch breaks.

"Quetico LLC strongly disagrees with the conclusions reached by the investigation of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and will mount a vigorous appeal to protect its reputation as an honest company that not only pays employees for all hours worked, but provides benefits far exceeding industry norms, including vacation pay, holiday pay and a profit-sharing retirement plan that is 100 percent employer sponsored," the company said in a statement.

Questico's statement went on to describe labor officials' findings as "outrageous, misleading and false" and asserted officials' actions are forcing businesses to leave California.

On Monday, state Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su accused Quetico of committing wage theft by denying its hundreds of employees adequate facilities to clock in at the beginning of their shifts. Officials said employees had to spend considerable unpaid time in long lines to avoid being penalized for late at the start of their shifts or after returning from breaks.